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Your Health This Summer

It’s the season for picnics, hiking, camping, swimming, boating and more! Learn what you can do to stay safe and healthy this summer.

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Last updated: July 5, 2024

Beat The Heat

Temperatures during the summer in British Columbia can sometimes exceed 30°C.

We all want to make the most of the beautiful B.C. summers, while staying safe. Learn how you can beat the heat and stay cool during the warm weather.

If you are spending more time outdoors, you may increase your risk of getting injured from insect bites or extreme heat.

To help you enjoy the summer months, read the information below on taking care of yourself and your family.

Featured Topics

Food Safety

The risk of foodborne illness can increase during the summer. This is because hot and humid weather can create conditions for bacteria to grow and thrive. People can become sick by eating foods contaminated with bacteria or the poisons that bacteria produce. Food safety can be more challenging because we often cook outdoors. Learn how to safely prepare and store your food for summer barbeque, picnic and camping meals:

Insect Bites and Stings

You may come into contact with insects that bite or sting during the summer. Don’t let bugs stop you from enjoying the warm weather. Learn what you can do to prevent being bitten or stung:

There are many types of ticks. Ticks are small bugs that can bite people and pets and can sometimes spread diseases. A few are known to carry a bacterium that cause Lyme Disease. The BC Centre for Disease Control works in cooperation with local health authorities to monitor for Lyme disease. Ticks found by BC residents can be identified for free by submitting a photo of the tick to eTick. www.etick.ca.

Physical Activity

The summer months are a great time for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and biking. Learn how you and your family can enjoy the outdoors while staying safe and healthy:

For physical activity or exercise advice, you can call 8-1-1 to speak with a qualified exercise professional between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm Pacific Time.

Sun and Heat

One of the best parts about summer are the long, warm days. However, spending too much time in the sun or heat may affect your health if you aren’t prepared. Learn how to protect yourself and your family:

Swimming and Water Safety

Taking a dip in a pool, lake, river, or the ocean is a fun and enjoyable way to beat the summer heat. Before you head to the water, remember to check our public health alerts in your area for local health authority pool, lake, river, or beach advisories. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe in and around the water this summer:

Travel Health

Travel health and safety requirements will vary depending on your destination. For up-to-date travel safety information, go to travel.gc.ca and Government of Canada: Well on your way - A Canadian’s guide to healthy travel abroad.

To learn more about travel, click on the links below.

Wildfires

Wildfire season is now in effect. Wildfires, or forest fires, can affect your health and safety. Exposure to air pollution can irritate your lungs, which causes inflammation and can alter your immune response.

Useful Websites

BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. They provide provincial and national leadership in public health through surveillance, detection, prevention and consultation.

The BCCDC is encouraging everyone to be aware of disease-causing ticks and prevention of Lyme disease that can result from a tick bite. Learn what you can do to help keep you and your family safe: